Three new AV amplifiers and Arcam AV processor: 8K and Dirac Live

Arcam introduced three home theater amplifiers and processors, the AVR31, AVR21, AVR11 and AV41 models. Sales are scheduled for the second quarter of 2022. All devices received HDMI 2.1 switching with HDCP2.3, passing 8K at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120. All support dynamic HDR Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D audio formats are available for all four.

Dirac Live

Arcam AV models use Dirac Live software to correct room acoustics, with the optional addition of Dirac Live Bass Management and a calibration microphone already included. The audio path of all 4 models has a pair of ESS9026PRO DACs, supplemented by ESS reference voltage regulators. In addition, all 4 support Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Roon and Tidal Connect.

Class G amplifier with Zone2 and eARC

The top AV amplifier, according to Arcam, received class G amplifier modules, the same as in branded stereo amplifiers. The AVR31 has seven of these 100 watts at 8 ohm speaker impedance. The AVR31 also has 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs, including Zone2 and eARC.

The junior model AVR21 and AVR11 also have seven amplification channels, but they work in class AB. In the first case, their power is 110, in the second – 85W, and the first device is ready to decode up to 16, and the second – up to 12 audio channels. HDMI switching is also slightly different: for 7 inputs, the AVR21 has three outputs, while the AVR11 has two.

The Arcam AV41 AV processor handles up to 16 channels of audio, but unlike AV amplifiers with single-ended RCA switching, balanced XLRs are used here. HDMI provides seven inputs and three outputs, there are Zone2 and eARC.

Availability and price

Sales are scheduled for the second quarter of 2022. Arcam AV models have already been priced in the UK at £5,800 for AVR31, £3,800 for AVR21, £2,800 for AVR11 and £4,500 for AV41.

Arcam AV41 Specifications

• 16 Channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & AURO-3D decoding
• 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs inc Zone 2, eARC compatible
• HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3
• All inputs support 8K@60fps and 4K@120fps
• Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG
• Includes Dirac Live® room correction
• Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control*
• Dual ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators
• 16 transformerless balanced XLR output channels
• Pairs with PA720, PA240 & PA410 power amplifiers
• Wi-Fi / Ethernet, RS232 and IR control
• Google Chromecast® built-in for streaming audio
• Apple® Airplay2
• Bluetooth aptX®HD
• Free MusicLife iOS and Android UPnP app
• Roon Ready and supports MQA

Arcam AVR11 Specifications

• Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & AURO-3D 7.1.4 decoding
• 7 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs, eARC compatible
• HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3
• All inputs support 8K@60fps and 4K@120fps
• Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG
• Includes Dirac Live® room correction
• Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control*
• Dual ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators
• 7 Channels of Class AB power amplification
• Wi-Fi / Ethernet, RS232 and IR control
• Google Chromecast® built-in for streaming audio
• Apple® Airplay2
• Bluetooth aptX®HD
• Free MusicLife iOS and Android UPnP app
• Supports MQA
• Roon Ready

Arcam AVR31 Specifications

• 16 Channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & AURO-3D decoding
• 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs inc Zone 2, eARC compatible
• HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3
• All inputs support 8K@60fps and 4K@120fps
• Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG
• Includes Dirac Live® room correction
• Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control*
• Dual ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators
• 7 Channels of high power Class G amplification
• Wi-Fi / Ethernet, RS232 and IR control
• Google Chromecast® built-in for streaming audio
• Apple® Airplay2
• Bluetooth aptX®HD
• Free MusicLife iOS and Android UPnP app
• Supports MQA
• Roon Ready

Arcam AVR21 Specifications

• 16 Channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & AURO-3D decoding
• 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs inc Zone 2, eARC compatible
• HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3
• All inputs support 8K@60fps and 4K@120fps
• Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG
• Includes Dirac Live® room correction
• Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control*
• Dual ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators
• 7 Channels of high power Class AB amplification
• Wi-Fi / Ethernet, RS232 and IR control
• Google Chromecast® built-in for streaming audio
• Apple® Airplay2
• Bluetooth aptX®HD
• Free MusicLife iOS and Android UPnP app
• Supports MQA
• Roon Ready